A control device for controlling an electric motor. The control device includes a twist grip that is rotatably mounted on a carrier such that the twist grip is user-twistable in a first direction from a neutral position to a first operating position, and in a second direction from the neutral position to a second operating position. The control device further includes a force element for producing a return force. The force element operatively couples to the twist grip via a force transmission element and at least one deflection element such that the force element applies the return force to the twist grip thereby twisting the twist grip to the neutral position.